SOUTHPORT Dramatic Club’s autumn season is off to a flying start with a production of Noel Coward’s ‘Blithe Spirit’ (until Oct 3).

The supernatural comedy tells the story of Charles Condomine (played by Jon Ellis-Fox) – an author who hires a medium in the name of research for his next book. The psychic’s powers give him a bit more than he bargained for when she manages to bring back the ghost of Charles’s first wife – to the horror of his second wife, Ruth! (Helen Pickavance).

Pat Ball steals the show as the kooky but well-meaning Madame Arcati, with flawless comic timing and a smooth, compelling delivery. Marilyn Fletcher-Hill gives a powerful performance as Charles’ bewitching and manipulative first wife, Elvira, while Georgina Gillen has the audience in stitches with her sporadic appearances as scatty servant, Edith. Helen Pickavance brings Ruth’s jealousy to life in a truly entertaining way.

The production bounces along at an exciting pace, and director David Charters and his cast do a brilliant job of giving a classic play a fresh and energetic feel.